BREAK: I understand @Jackson_Carlaw has resigned as leader of the Scottish Conservatives.
More soon.
More soon.
One source tells me Mr Carlaw has been a 'lifelong servant of the Scottish Conservatives but it just hasn't worked out'.
Focus now on a successor. I understand Ruth Davidson may play a role but will NOT come back as leader.
Some suggestion that MP @Douglas4Moray may run.
Focus now on a successor. I understand Ruth Davidson may play a role but will NOT come back as leader.
Some suggestion that MP @Douglas4Moray may run.
Full resignation statement from Jackson Carlaw: 
NEW: I understand Scottish Conservative MPs and MSPs are already receiving calls from:
-@RuthDavidsonMSP
-@John2Win
-@Douglas4Moray
All campaigning for @Douglas4Moray to be the next leader of @ScotTories.
-@RuthDavidsonMSP
-@John2Win
-@Douglas4Moray
All campaigning for @Douglas4Moray to be the next leader of @ScotTories.
Nicola Sturgeon response to @Jackson_Carlaw resignation:
I understand if (and it's a big 'if') @Douglas4Moray becomes the next @ScotTories leader, he hopes to be No 1 for the party on the Highlands regional list for 2021 Holyrood election.
And he would resign as an MP at the next UK general election.
And he would resign as an MP at the next UK general election.
Today's resignation perhaps also puts pressure on struggling @scottishlabour
leader Richard Leonard.
Some in Scottish politics claim that Mr Carlaw's 'simple if painful conclusion' to do his 'duty' and quit should be a lesson for his Labour counterpart.
leader Richard Leonard.
Some in Scottish politics claim that Mr Carlaw's 'simple if painful conclusion' to do his 'duty' and quit should be a lesson for his Labour counterpart.
Spoken to a few UK govt sources who are adamant @BorisJohnson and @michaelgove did NOT push Jackson Carlaw to quit.
But the party's MSPs and MPs - worried at polling on his leadership, 2021 election chances and #indyref2 - DID make their views abundantly clear.
But the party's MSPs and MPs - worried at polling on his leadership, 2021 election chances and #indyref2 - DID make their views abundantly clear.
REMATCH!
I am told it is 'likely' that @RuthDavidsonMSP will go head-to-head with @NicolaSturgeon at #FMQs when Holyrood returns after recess.
And if MP @Douglas4Moray
wins the leadership, Davidson could hold the fort right up until the 2021 Scottish parliamentary elections.
I am told it is 'likely' that @RuthDavidsonMSP will go head-to-head with @NicolaSturgeon at #FMQs when Holyrood returns after recess.
And if MP @Douglas4Moray
wins the leadership, Davidson could hold the fort right up until the 2021 Scottish parliamentary elections.
Team @Douglas4Moray are planning a launch event and press conference on Saturday via Zoom.
This campaign is moving fast.
One horse race?
This campaign is moving fast.
One horse race?
